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Book: The Mariavites

Chapter: Period between Schism with Rome and the Death of Mateczka

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.46260

Blurb:

The fourth chapter focuses on the years after the schism, before the death of Mateczka. This was a crucial period for the formation of the Mariavites' identity and their ecclesiology. In particular, it discusses the problem they faced in trying to understand how the Catholic Church could become Babylon the Great (Rev. 17:5) and yet remain the Bride of God. Also discussed is the question of establishing criteria that could help Mariavites recognize authentic revelations. Things became especially complicated when a certain woman began claiming to be the recipient of new divine oracles that challenged the authority of Mateczka. Finally, this chapter examines the period in Mariavite history when the cessation of the valid Eucharist in the Catholic Church and the appearance of the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12) in Mariavite theology were formulated.

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